Dear patient,
You have been referred for a specialized treatment for skin cancer called Mohs
micrographic surgery with Dr Donaldson. This procedure was developed by Dr Mohs at
the University of Wisconsin and has been refined over decades to provide the highest cure
rate for skin cancers. Details on this procedure can be found in the accompanying
pamphlet. We have extensive experience with tumor removal and reconstructive surgery of
the skin. At Mountain West Dermatology, our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons offer this
service to provide safe, cost-effective, and superior patient care. If you have any questions
prior to your appointment, call us at 970-242-7273 and ask for Amey.
About Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery is considered the standard of care for skin cancers at
high risk for recurrence. Although no treatment is perfect, Mohs surgery has the best
reported cure rates of all treatment options (up to 99% for tumors that have never been
treated and 95% for recurrent tumors) and leaves smaller defects.1 Mohs surgery is
performed under local anesthesia and has been shown to be very safe.2,3 Research also
suggests it is cost-effective.4,5 After the cancer is all removed, the defect can then be
repaired. Reconstruction involves placing stitches to close the wound by pulling the skin
together, moving a flap of skin, or creating a skin graft. Just like removing the tumor, this
process can take time. Data suggest that dermatologists perform the most reconstructive
skin surgery of any specialty, including cosmetically important areas on the face.6,7
What to expect and recommendations:
- Expect to spend the majority or entirety of your day with us. Although waiting can be
frustrating, this specialized process takes time. Feel free to bring a book or something to
occupy your time. We are committed to providing the most thorough, precise care and
do not compromise quality for speed.
- Take your normal medications and have breakfast the morning of surgery.
- It is okay to bring snacks or food for lunch.
- Although Mohs surgery is outpatient and low stress, it is still a surgical procedure. Expect
to avoid lifting over 15 lbs and vigorous activity for several days after your appointment.
- Wound healing after reconstructing the wound takes time. Initially, your scar will be
raised up and red. Over subsequent weeks, the scar tissue will soften and flatten. Bruising
and swelling are expected and can be impressive. These will resolve. The goal is to provide
the most pleasing scar in the long term. Patience is critical!
Frequently asked questions:
I have an artificial hip or heart valve, do I need antibiotics?
- Based on recent recommendations from the American Heart Association and
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, we usually give antibiotics before surgery if
the site is actively infected or involves the inside of the mouth or inside the nose.8 If you
have questions or concerns about your situation, please call.
I take blood thinners, do I need to stop them before surgery?
-If you have had a serious condition such as HEART ATTACK, STROKE, or BLOOD
CLOT, Dr Donaldson prefers you stay on your blood thinners. Data suggest it is more
dangerous to stop Coumadin, Plavix, or aspirin if they are medically necessary than the
bruising or bleeding they may cause during Mohs surgery.9,10 We can safely handle any
minor increase in oozing during this procedure. We just ask that you notify us ahead of
time. Make sure you have had an INR (the blood level they check if you take Coumadin)
within the last 3 weeks and that the results are forwarded to us (fax number 970-2412878). Again, if you have questions, call!
I have a pacemaker/defibrillator or am on oxygen, is this a problem?
-Just be sure we know. This shouldn't interfere with our ability to do Mohs. If you
require oxygen, be sure to bring enough for the entire day.
Why does the procedure take so long?
- After you have been put in a surgical room, we will numb up the region to be
removed with local anesthetic. The tumor is then excised with a small margin and sent to
the laboratory located here in our office. There, the tissue is processed, stained, and
carefully examined. We evaluate 100% of the margins. Depending on the day and how
much tissue is being examined, this process takes 1 to 2 hours per layer. While waiting for
results, you can stay in your room or wait in the designated Mohs waiting room. If there is
still tumor at the margins, we will take another layer of skin out and send it back to the lab.
There will be another waiting period until we have results. This process continues until the
margins are clear.
Should someone come with me?
-Whenever possible, yes. Bandaging can interfere with glasses or field of vision and
can make driving difficult. Surgery can be intimidating and it is helpful to have someone for
moral support and an extra set of ears to process information.
Will I have to come back?
-Sutures are generally removed 1-2 weeks after surgery in our office. We will
usually see you 2 months after your Mohs to make sure the wound is healing properly.
Why did I get this cancer?
- Risk factors for skin cancer include genetics (fair skin and light eyes) as well as sun
exposure. Tumors can arise years or decades after the sun damage was received.
What happens if I don't have my skin cancer treated?
- Skin cancer will continue to enlarge and cause local destruction if left untreated.
Tumors may start to bleed, become infected or painful, and can invade deeper structures
such as muscle and bone. For some tumors this may be gradual, others may grow very
rapidly. There is no way to predict how your tumor will act. We recommend definitive
treatment to prevent growth, invasion, or spread. Although metastasis of skin cancer is
unusual, this is far more likely for large, neglected tumors. The earlier the skin cancer is
treated, the smaller the defect tends to be. This is easier on you and us.
Will my cancer come back or spread?
-Mohs surgery has the best reported cure rates of any treatment. Recurrence is
possible but unlikely. You are more likely to get a new, totally unrelated skin cancer at
another site. With the exception of some aggressive squamous cell carcinomas and rare
tumors, most non-melanoma skin cancers stay local.
Cancellation Policy.
-If you No-Show for a surgery appointment without prior notice, you may be
dismissed from the practice. Any co-pays or deposits will be refunded upon dismissal.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mission Statement of the Mohs team at Mountain West Dermatology:
1) To provide the highest quality, cost-effective treatment for skin cancer.
2) To put patient safety and comfort first.
About Dr Donaldson: Dr Donaldson joined Mountain West Dermatology in 2011. As a fellowship-trained Mohs
micrographic and cutaneous reconstructive surgeon, his practice is restricted to skin cancer. He graduated from
the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he served as co-president of the honor society Alpha Omega
Alpha and received the Paul Wintrobe Memorial Award given to the outstanding graduating student. He then
completed dermatology residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He did his Mohs surgery
fellowship in Cincinnati, Ohio with past-president of the American College of Mohs Surgery and American
Academy of Dermatology, Brett Coldiron, MD. He has performed over 4,000 Mohs procedures and
reconstructions. Dr Donaldson is an adjunct clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at the
University of Utah.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
References:
1. Martinez JC et al. The management of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer: a review for the primary care physician. Mayo Clin Proc. 2001;76:1253-65.
2. Merritt BG et al. The safety of Mohs surgery: A prospective multicenter cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012; 67;1302-9.
3. Asadi-Kimyai A et al. The incidence of major complications from Mohs micrographic surgery performed in office-based and hospital-based settings. J Am Acad Dermatol.
2005;53:638-34.
4. Mudigonda T et al. The economic impact of non-melanoma skin cancer: a review. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2010;8:888-96.
5. Ravitskiy L et al. Cost analysis: Mohs micrographic surgery. Dermatol Surg. 2012;38:585-94.
6. Donaldson MR et al. Dermatologist perfom majority of cutaneous reconstructions in the Medicare population: numbers and trends from 2004 to 2009. J Am Acad Dermatol. In press.
7. Roenigk RK. Dermatologists perform more skin surgery than any other specialist: implications for health policy, graduate and continuing education. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34:293300.
8. Wright TI et al. Antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery: advisory statement 2008. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59:464-73.
9. Alcalay J et al. Controversies in perioperative management of blood thinners in dermatologic surgery: continue or discontinue? Dermatol Surg. 2004;30:1091-4.
10. Otley CC. Continuation of medically necessary aspirin and warfarin during cutaneous surgery. Mayo Clin Proc. 2003;78:1392-6.
Mountain West Dermatology, PC
2655 Little Bookcliff Dr
Grand Junction, CO 81501